Soft projected lighting device using multiple par lamps

ABSTRACT

A lighting box has a housing with an open front and open rear and a bar such as a standard schedule 40 pipe or 1½″ or 1⅝″ pipe extending horizontally across the housing. Multiple lights are mounted on the bar and positioned to send light out the front of the box. The box also has a diffusion element (frame) disposed proximate its front end, and even may have multiple elements including having one element at an angle. The element or elements receive the light from the lighting instruments and diffuse it to provide a soft projected light from the box. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, this light may be used to provide diffused light as part of the key lighting for a stage or set, and may provide such soft projected lighting from a front (downstage) of the stage or set. The box may also have a soft shell, may hang overhead, on a stand or by a rotatable yoke, and may have lights fixed therein. The box may also have a rear cover.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/788,603 filed Feb. 27, 2004 for Foldable Modular Light Diffusion Box,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/704,639filed Nov. 1, 2000 for a Foldable Modular Light Diffusion Box with FrameAssembly, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,434, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,315 filed Aug. 21, 2000 forFoldable Modular Light Diffusion Box, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,912, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/146,063 filedSep. 2, 1998 for a Foldable Modular Light Diffusion Box, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,106,125. The foregoing applications are hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth fully herein.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may contain materialwhich is subject to copyright and/or mask work protection. The copyrightand/or mask work owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction byanyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears inthe Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright and/or mask work rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable modular light diffusion box,and in particular such a box which includes light diffusion frame(s) andthe capacity to contain multiple lights.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the entertainment industry including motion pictures, television andtheatrical arts, as well as in the photographic industry and otherfields, it is necessary to light a set, stage or other area. Often,particularly for an indoor set in the motion picture and televisionindustries, the key (primary) lighting is provided at the back cornersof the set (opposite where the camera and audience, if any, will be) toavoid boom (sound equipment) shadows and a fill light from the front inaccordance with a theory known as back cross key lighting.

While back cross key lighting is used in almost all sitcoms, there aresome inherent drawbacks to the system. One problem is that the “key” orstrongest light comes from the top/back (upstage) portion of the set, sothere are invariably shadows thrown from the people and objects on theset onto each other. Also, in many cases there are shadows from aperson's facial features that fall upon that person's face, such as noseshadows. The strong (“hard”) light coming from the back also creates hotrims around people and is especially objectionable on bald orlight-haired individuals. This hard light, which is traditionally used,can also create unwanted microphone boom shadows.

In studio photography, light diffusion gel frames have been used tosoften lighting by diffusing the light. These frames have been typicallyindividually mounted in front of or to a lighting instrument.

Conventional wisdom is that the lights are mounted on a stand, on apipe, or on typical set scaffolding known as a green bed. As there arenumerous lights on a set, and as providing a diffusion screen on eachlight is cumbersome, and as it is further cumbersome to change suchscreens and to align such lights to properly cooperate, the use ofindividually mounted diffusion devices is not practical or economicalfor some set lighting, especially sitcoms.

Prior attempts have been made in the art with respect to set lightingand otherwise. Brief descriptions of such prior attempts are set forthbelow. While the descriptions are believed to be accurate, no admissionis made by them regarding their subject matter which is solely definedby the patent or reference involved.

Examples of individually mounted diffusion gel supporting members areshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,602 to Joseph N. Tawil, issued Jul. 29,1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,506 to Raymond G. Larson issued May 1,1984. These require special brackets or rings to mount to the lightinginstrument, and are often dependent on the type of light.

A diffusion device has been known to be used with multiple lights, suchas in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,874 to Thomas A. Waltz issued Aug. 8, 1989.The Waltz patent discloses a light modifier which is inflatable andsurrounds multiple lights attached to a stand or to other support rodswhich are not part of the inflatable device. The device itself whichprovides light diffusion must be entirely changed to change the lightdiffusion effect, and it has limited ability to control and directlight. It is therefore impractical to use for set lighting.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,838 to Muriel H. Brandess issued Jul. 7, 1992,discloses a photographic filter-holding apparatus that has a mechanismfor holding a filter in front of a light. In one embodiment there aretwo lights, but each light has a separate filter, and it also requires aspecial mounting structure.

Even when diffusion is used, often expensive fresnel lights are usedwith it. These are focusable between “spot” and “flood” conditions, andprovide a useful light source because you can change the pattern andintensity of the light when it is not heavily diffused, allowing for atight “spot” of hot light, a wide flood of lesser intensity, or aselectable middle ground. It is interesting to note that when projectedthrough heavy diffusion, this function is neutralized. However, fresnellights have drawbacks. They are expensive, inefficient and heavy.

What is needed is a box which can diffuse and control light frommultiple lights in such a way that the box and lights are stable,preferably avoid the need for expensive lighting instruments such asfresnel (focusable) lights, and provide soft, diffused light preferablyfrom multiple instruments such as par cans (“pars”), to enable the useof front projected lighting as the key or primary lighting for a stageor set.

What is also needed is a device that can project soft key light in acontrollable way deep into the set evenly from front to back and side toside while having a compact profile to allow for cameras underneath andviewers behind. The light would be parallel to and under the microphonebooms thus eliminating boom shadows. The light would also come from asimilar angle as the cameras eliminating or “burying” shadows behind theobjects themselves.

Certain lights have been made for overhead lighting, i.e., above a setor other item needing light. However, these do not provide an efficientsoft projected and consistent light. For example, one configurationknown as the “chicken coop” has six 1000-watt bulbs shaped much likehousehold bulbs. Light is unevenly pushed through the lamps themselvesand bounced off the light shell, resulting in a very mixed source withlimited projection. Even if a diffusion screen is used, the light isinconsistent and the bulbs cannot be individually controlled.

Sometimes, a long cylindrical fabric sheath with a roughly 30-inchdiameter opening is placed around some open globes in a wheel typeconfiguration known as the space light. The sides of the sheath can beblackened. The problem with this light as an overhead light is that ituses a lot of energy for very little output. Much of the light isabsorbed in the black sheaths and not output from the opening at thebottom of the sheath. The source, being just globes, is not internallyor externally focused to project well through the exit port asdescribed.

Light diffusion elements have been constructed of cardboard or otherconsumables in a jury-rigged fashion for a long time. There also is acompany known as Chimera which markets cone-shaped soft tent-likemembers for attachment in front of a lighting source, typically a singlefresnel light. However, none of the extensive art combines a box withinterchangeable diffusion frames and standard light mounting rodsfacilitating the use of multiple par cans, e.g., four or more, to createa deeply projected but soft light that is consistent from near to far.Moreover, none put all of these elements together with built-in lightsin a way that enables use of inexpensive lightweight lights with highoutput to obtain a soft projected light.

What is needed is a high-output, projected soft light from a modularsystem using multiple lights. What is also needed is such a system thatis provided in a lightweight, foldable structure which readily mounts tostandard mounting equipment such as stands, scaffolding or otherexisting support structure. What is also needed is a way to obtain softprojected light from inexpensive, non-focusable lights. What is neededis one device that solves many needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types oflighting systems now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a foldable light diffusion system where in the same can beimplemented in a modular fashion.

The general purpose of the current invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail is to provide a new lighting systemapparatus method which has many of the advantages of lighting systemsmentioned heretofore and many novel features that resulted in newlighting system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested,taught, or even implied by any of the prior art lighting systems, eitheralone or in any combination thereof.

In each embodiment, the invention provides a light box which ispreferably lightweight, foldable, modular and provides for softprojected light regardless of the lighting elements used. The invention,thought not limited to the use of nonfocusable lights, makes the use ofinexpensive par lamps practical. Such lamps have an internal parabolicreflector which creates an extremely parallel beam of light. This“punchy” light has been found to be ideal to project through diffusionmediums to soften the resultant light, but to retain much of the deepthrow inherent in the lamp. It has also been found that when combiningpar lamps of various intensities (i.e., wide and medium beams atspecific distances through diffusion frames), it is possible to create alight that is more consistent from upstage to downstage than a pointsource or more traditional lighting instruments. The foldable modularlight diffusion box in all its forms uses this principle as itscornerstone and constructs devices useful for the motion picture andtelevision industries as well as other uses. Although par lamps areexisting technology and diffusing light through frames is not novel,both the concept and forms of the foldable modular light diffusion boxcreate and contain light in a new way and of a quality, portability andconsistency previously unavailable.

The invention further provides a substantially consistent lightintensity in spite of the inverse square law. Light intensity from apoint source drops off according to the inverse square law, i.e.,intensity (i) at any distance (radius) (r) or from a point source ofintensity (I) is given by the following equation: i=I×(1/r²). However,in the invention, as noted above, consistency is maintained.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a modular light diffusion boxwhich preferably is adapted to hold multiple lights. The box has ahousing for channeling and controlling the light, the housing having twosides, a top and a bottom formed so as to be lightweight yet rigid orsubstantially rigid. The housing also has a channel or channels forsupporting a diffusion frame or frames, or filters. In a preferredembodiment, the housing supports a bar, such as a standard 1½″ or 1⅝″pipe (e.g., Speed Rail™ or other cross-member on which multiple lightsmay be mounted. In another preferred embodiment, the box is foldable andportable. It is also preferable that the box have an angle at its frontend for directing light towards a set or stage when the box is elevatedwith respect thereto.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention, there is provided afoldable, modular light diffusion box containing an element for mountingmultiple lights, and preferably containing multiple lights mountedtherein. More preferably, these lights are high intensity butinexpensive, lightweight, and nonfocusable lights such as pars or parcans.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a modular light diffusionbox which has multiple lights disposed therein. Preferably, the lightsare inexpensive, nonfocusable lights such as pars. The box has a housingor shell having four sides connected together for folding flat. Thehousing has an open front and an open back. One of the sides has anaccess door for opening and closing to selectively insert and replacediffusion screens or filters. A C-shaped yoke rotatably connects to twosides of the shell on the outside. The yoke has a standard pin formounting to a stand or other standard female receptor. A rectangularreinforcing skeleton or frame mounts inside the shell and the lights arefixed to a standard pipe or rod mounted inside the rectangular frame.

In a third embodiment, the box is similar to the previous embodiment andhas four lights therein. The front of the box has an angular face. Thebox is mountable to a green bed, scaffolding or otherwise supportable inthe air by hanging it, rather than having a yoke. The box is constructedsuch that it may be placed adjacent other boxes to provide for a largerprojected light. In this embodiment, the rectangular frame has twotriangular frame elements connected to it, and the triangular elementssupport a standard rod for mounting the lights.

In a fourth embodiment, the box is rectangular and is hinged at thecenter of its short sides to collapse together. The box is adapted to behung from a ceiling or other structure directly above the area to belit. In a fifth version of this box, the shell may be soft, e.g., madeof fabric and attached to, so as to hang from, the rectangular frame.The diffusion or gel frames are also attached to the rectangular frameat their corners by a chain or other flexible or collapsible attachment.The lights connect to a Socopex™ connector or the equivalent. Yetanother version of such a flexible, collapsible box has a rear coverwhich is perforated to provide for protection for the lights, which arebuilt-in.

Still another version has built-in lights and a cover, a yoke mounted tothe rectangle, and rigid members to hold the fabric instead of chain.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a front projection lightdevice has a housing capable of supporting a plurality of par lamps, thehousing having four sides and a front. A primary filter holding elementis disposed between the par lamps and the front. A light-mountingelement is present for supporting the plurality of par lamps from it sothat the par lamps are directed towards the front. A primary filterholding element is supported from the housing and when a filter elementis mounted in the primary filter holding element, light produced by thepar lamps is directed through it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of five (5) light boxes for frontprojection illumination of a set in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a light box according to theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a side view (rotated 90° clockwise with respect to FIG. 2)showing a top and left-side subassembly and a bottom and right-sidesubassembly of the box of FIG. 2 in a folded position in accordance withan aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view (rotated 90° clockwise with respect to FIG.2) showing a bottom of the box of FIG. 2 with a bottom door open and adiffusion screen being slid into the box in accordance with anotheraspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the box according to the invention showing anangle at which the front edges of the left and right side panels are cutin accordance with a further aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a set with front projected lightingprovided from a plurality of boxes in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2 inside circle 7;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing par lights for illustrating andexplaining a lighting theory of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partly exploded and front perspective view of a lighting boxaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shell of the box of FIG. 9 without arectangular frame and other parts of the box attached thereto, so thatthe shell is ready to fold;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 10 in a partiallyfolded state;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 10 in a folded state;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 9 mounted to anoverhead mounting arm and tilted at an angle facing partly downward;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 9 mounted to a standand tilted at an angle facing partly downward;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a light box according to a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a view of the shell of the box of FIG. 15 without any otherstructure;

FIG. 17 is a view of the skin in a mostly folded state;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a rectangular frame element in the boxof FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a frame assembly including therectangular frame element connected to two triangular frame elements,which in turn hold a bar or rod for mounting lights in the box of FIG.15;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the box of FIG. 15 showing onlythe shell and the frame assembly;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part of the frame assembly taken alongthe circular line 21 of FIG. 19 showing how the bar and triangular frameelements connect;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a corner of the box taken along thecircular line 22 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of multiple boxes of FIG. 15 mountedto scaffolding or a green bed similar to FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of a lighting box for mounting abovea set, stage or other area to be lit according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a shell of the box of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the shell in a partially folded state;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the shell in a folded state;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a frame assembly in the embodiment ofFIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a gel frame for use in the boxaccording to FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the shell of the box of FIG. 24;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the box of FIG. 24 for purposes ofexplaining how a gel frame is held therein;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view taken along circle 32 of the frame assemblyof FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view taken along circle 33 of the frame assemblyof FIG. 28;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a hinge connection in a partiallyfolded state in the diffusion frame of FIG. 29;

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the hinge connection in a fullyassembled state in the diffusion frame of FIG. 29 taken along a circle34A;

FIG. 35 is a disassembled view of a portion of a rectangular frameelement in the frame assembly of FIG. 28;

FIG. 35A is an assembled view of the same portion of the rectangularframe element taken along circle 35A of FIG. 28;

FIG. 36 is a rear perspective view of a box similar to that of FIG. 24but with the frame assembly mounted further into the frame assemblyshown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line 37-37 of FIG.31 to show how a diffusion frame is held in the box of FIG. 24;

FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of a lighting box similar to that ofFIG. 24 but having lights fixed to a rod for mounting lights, and aconnector for commonly wiring all of the lights;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged sectional view taken along a line 39-39 of FIG.38 to show how lights are connected to a rod for mounting lights;

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of a lighting box according to afifth embodiment of the invention where the shell is soft;

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of a lighting box according to asixth embodiment of the invention where the shell is soft and the boxhas a rear cover with lights held in collars with retaining rings ratherthan cans;

FIG. 42 is a rear perspective view of a lighting box similar to FIG. 41but for mounting on a stand or mounting arm; and

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram for purposes of explaining additionallighting theories according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings where like numerals of reference designatelike elements throughout, it will be noted that in FIG. 2, a box 1according to one embodiment of the invention is shown. It has a housingwith four sides, namely a left side 4, a right side 6, a top 8 and abottom 10. The back is preferably open and the box preferably has alight mounting structure such as a holder or bar 14. Bar 14 ispreferably formed by a standard rod, e.g., Speed Rail™, well known inthe motion picture and television industry for mounting lights such aspars. The bar 14 may be any kind of cross-member or other structuresuitable to readily mount multiple lights. At the front of the housingthere are two diffusion screens or frames 16, 18, although in use onlyone diffusion screen or filter need be used. Part of the screen orscreens may be made opaque for further control of the light emanatingfrom the box. The phrase diffusion element will be used herein to meandiffusion frame, screen or other structure used to diffuse or softenlight from the lights.

The bar 14 is mounted to the left and right sides of the housing bymeans of V-brackets 20, 22, having cups 24, 26, respectively, which eachreceive the ends of the bar. Set screws 28 and 30 are used to fix theends of the bar in the cups.

In the disclosed embodiment, each side, top or bottom of the housingconsists of a skeletal frame with frame members and a panel, preferablyopaque, and the sides are hinged together. With continued reference toFIGS. 2, 3 and 4, side 6 has frame members 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44 and anopaque panel 46 to which the frame members are bolted, riveted, weldedor otherwise connected. The left side 4 is constructed using a mirrorimage of frame members to which a panel 48 is fastened in like manner.On the right side panel 46, and in like mirror image on the left sidepanel 48, there are two channel members 40 a, 42 a for receiving thediffusion elements 16, 18. The diffusion elements are constructedpreferably in a manner similar to screen windows. If only one diffusionelement is used, it is preferable to use the forward most element 16.The top 8 also has a panel 50 and frame members around the edges,including frame members 47, 49, 51. The bottom 10 has two panels 60, 62,the larger panel having frame members 52, 54, 56 and 58 around its edgesand the smaller panel 62 having frame members 53, 55, 57 and 59 aroundits edges. The smaller panel and its frame members form a door 10 a.

The various frame members may be rectangular tubing, and the framemembers, panels and other components are preferably of a lightweight butstrong material such as aluminum, and the channel members may beC-shaped and preferably constructed of a lightweight rigid material suchas aluminum as well. The sides, top and bottom may be formed of anyrigid or semi-rigid material sufficient to support the cross-member 14and a mechanism for mounting the cross-member 14.

So that the box is easy to transport and store, the sides, top andbottom are preferably formed so as to be foldable in two units, as shownin FIG. 3. The left side of FIG. 3 shows left side 4 and top 8 which arepreferably permanently hinged together for rotation and folding aboutaxis A. The right side of FIG. 3 shows bottom 10 and right side 6 whichare permanently hinged together for folding about axis B. The permanenthinged connections are shown by hinges 65 in FIG. 2 which connect thebottom frame member 52 to the right side frame member 38, and likehinges (not shown) connect a frame member of the left side 4 and top 8.

The two subassemblies, i.e., the top 8 and right side 6 and the bottom10 and left side 4, connect together by means of two sets of knockouthinges. These include half hinge members 63 mounted to frame member 36of the right side 6 which mate with half hinge members 63 a (FIG. 3),which then receive a knockout (hinge) pin. Similar half hinges 67 and 67a are mounted on the bottom frame member 56 and a frame member (notshown) of left side 4. With this structure, the two subassemblies may bereadily connected and disconnected by inserting or removing hinge pins.

The door 10 a of the bottom enables the diffusion elements 16, 18 to bereadily removed and replaced when the box is assembled, even when it isin place for lighting a set or stage. Hinges 80 (FIG. 3) on the externalside of bottom 10 connect large panel 60 and smaller panel 62 and thusenable the door to rotate open and closed. As best shown in FIG. 4, twoangle members 82 bolted at one end to the sides 4, 6, are rotatablebetween the positions shown in FIG. 1 to hold the door closed and theposition shown in FIG. 4 to open the door.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing and diffusion element(s)may be used without the V-brackets and bar, and may be mounted toscaffolding or otherwise positioned in front of multiple stage-typelights. In the preferred embodiment, multiple stage-type lights 75, 76,77 and 78 may be readily clamped onto the bar 14 supported by thehousing. Where the bar is a rod such as Speed Rail™ or the like, typicalstage lights have C-clamps 90 readily connectable to such rod or SpeedRail™. Therefore, regardless of the stage-type light that is used, itmay be quickly mounted and unmounted from the bar 14. Accordingly, nospecial mounting structure is necessary, although any suitable mountingstructure will do.

In operation, the box may be assembled as follows:

The two sub-assemblies of FIG. 3 may be rotated to be open at 90°. Thehinge halves 63, 63 a and 67, 67 a are then positioned to mate, and thehinge pins are inserted. The housing may then be rotated onto its bottompanel and the V-brackets 20, 22 may be bolted to the frame members ofthe left and right side using wing nuts 92 and bolts 94 (shown in detailin FIG. 7), after inserting the speed rail in the cups 24, 26 andtightening the set screws 28, 30.

Alternatively, the V-brackets may be affixed to the side members beforethe side members, top and bottom subassemblies are connected. One sideof the speed rail would then be inserted into one cup and the set screwstightened, and the other side would then be inserted into the remainingcup upon connecting the side, top, bottom and other side.

Once the housing, V-brackets and bar are connected, the stage lights aremounted using the C-clamps and the diffusion elements are slid intoplace. The door 10 a is rotated closed and the angle brackets 82 arerotated downward (in FIG. 2) to hold the door closed (as shown in FIG.1). The box may be disassembled in reverse order.

Preferably, the back of the box is open which allows for venting of thelights, as well as easily mounting them, disconnecting them, electricalline access, and positioning of the lights.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, several boxes may beused adjacent one another or otherwise positioned to cooperate to lighta set. These boxes may be suspended, such as from scaffolding, as shownin FIG. 1. In the television and movie industry, existing scaffolding inindoor stages is known as a green bed. A simple means to suspend the boxor boxes from the green bed is to provide eye bolts 81 fixed to theframe members of the top 8 and use chain or rope 83 connected to the eyebolts and the scaffolding as shown in FIG. 1. As also shown in FIG. 1,three boxes 1 are adjacent one another on the viewer's left side of FIG.1 and two boxes 1 are adjacent one another on the right side of FIG. 1.The three boxes together would typically provide greater light, givenuse of the same lights in each box, and thus be known as key lightingfor a set or stage and the two box group would provide fill light.

With reference to FIG. 5, the angular front edges of the left and rightside members will be explained. The angle provides a way to channel anddirect light when the boxes are horizontally mounted, such as shown inFIG. 1, with the top flush or parallel to the green bed or the like. Theangle also allows light to project to the upstage portion of the set andthe downstage portion, even though the boxes are mounted in the air andclose to the set. The angle may be selected depending upon the geometryof where the boxes are mounted in relation to the set, as well as anyother factors well known in the art. For example, the top may have adepth dimension D of four feet and the bottom may have a depth dimensionC of three feet, thus providing front edge E with an angle “tilteddownward.” Preferably, the distance from the top of the box to thebottom would also be four feet. The angular orientation of diffusionelement 16 also provides a greater surface area with which to diffusethe light.

The boxes can be constructed larger, or smaller, with any appropriatelydesired dimension, but it is advantageous to construct them with afour-foot square length and width cross-section. This size readilyaccommodates four lights, the two lights on top and the two lights onthe bottom. Alternatively, the box could be eight feet wide by four feettall which would accommodate eight lights for standard pars. More lightscan be fit into a box than is shown in the drawings, to increase thestrength depending on the use. In addition, one may put lights at threeor more relative heights or put more than two across.

By use of higher powered lights on top, upstage lighting can becomparable to downstage lighting, and by use of boxes placed side toside, lighting at one side of the set can be comparable to lighting atthe other side.

The diagram of FIG. 6 shows how boxes according to the invention areused to provide for front-projected light to a set. In a sitcom-typeset, it has been conventional to light the actors 1A and 1B from theback typically by expensive, high-powered fresnel lights. The back(upstage) of the set 86 is defined with respect to the location of thecamera 88 which is at the front (downstage). When a sitcom or the likeis filmed, typically there is also an audience 84 located downstage. Thekey lights 80 and fill lights 82, when constructed in accordance withthe invention, may be provided at the front of the set. Undesirableshadows from objects, actors and boom sound equipment, which normallyextends from the front from above the green bed, are avoided because ofthe diffused light emanating from the boxes preferably located downstageand below the green bed. Moreover, the boxes take a diffusion elementand apply it to multiple lights in a way that is quickly and easilycontrolled to light the entire set evenly. When the lights on top of thebar are higher powered than the lights below the bar, the upper lightsilluminate the back of the set as well as the lower lights illuminatethe front. The system thus may use inexpensive stage lights, e.g., pars,rather than expensive lights, e.g., fresnels, provide a higher level oflight with significantly fewer lighting instruments, and achieve greaterdepth of field. For example, in a three box key light, one may use six1000-watt pars (medium) for the upper lights and six 1000-watt pars(wide) for the lower lights and achieve a 4.6 at 250 ASA on thedownstage portion of the set and a 4.3 upstage, allowing for use ofslower film or a deeper depth of field, or a combination thereof.

A lighting theory according to the invention and its beneficial resultsis explained and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 8 and 43. A seriesof five lighting boxes 100 are each equipped with two medium 1000-wattpar lights 102 and two wide 1000-watt par lights 104 below them. Asshown in FIG. 43, diffusion screens 106 and 108 were used, and lightintensity was measured at eye level at locations A, B and C, ten feet,fifteen feet, and twenty feet, respectively, from the par lights 102,104. The measured intensities were 73 fc, 70 fc, and 62 fc,respectively. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 43, there are threeadjacent boxes used as key light and two adjacent boxes used as fill.Both FIGS. 8 and 43 show footcandle readings at eye level where theboxes are hung at about nine feet. The center diffusion screen containedLEE 187 cosmetic rouge gel. The outer gel frame used light grid cloth.The device “defies” the inverse square law of light. Light fall off isless than ½ stop at all points and action areas show less than ¼ stopfall off. The lights on top provide much of the intensity for the farfield (upstage). The lights on the bottom provide much of the light inthe near field (downstage). The middle area is lit by a mixture of boththe upper and lower lights, thus creating the previously unavailable andsignificantly advantageous ability to evenly light a given action areawith one device.

Alighting box 109 according to a second embodiment of the invention isshown in FIG. 9. It has a shell 110 with four sides 111, 112, 113, 114.A yoke 116 mounts by two rotatable friction knob assemblies 118 to theshell at the outside of sides 111, 113. Each assembly 118 has a mountingplate 120 bolted or otherwise fixed to the shell 110, a rotatableconnector 122 rotatably connected to the plate 120 and having a hole forreceiving an end of the yoke 116. There is a friction knob 124 forfixing the yoke at a desired angle and for loosening the connector 122to rotate and thereby rotate the yoke to another desired angle.Accordingly, the top side 112 of the shell need not extend out past thebottom side 114.

A rectangular or square frame 126 has four sides 127-130. The framesupports a mounting bar 131 which may be a rectangular bar, or circularrod, fitted at each end into a rectangular (or circular) cup 132 fixedto sides 128, 130. The bar 131 may be held in the cups 132 by pins orbolts 133. Multiple lighting elements, units or instruments 135, 136 arefixed by mounting elements 138, such as pipe clamps or a fixed connectorto the bar 131 (or rod). The two lights on top, e.g., non-focusablelights such as pars, are preferably of higher intensity than the twolights below, e.g., non-focusable lights such as pars 135, 136. The parson top may be medium and the pars below may be wide. The rectangularframe 126 (“rectangle”) may be put in the shell as shown, or rotated 90°so that the bar 131 is horizontal.

The rectangle screws or bolts to the shell. For example, each side hasthree holes. Side 127 has holes 127 a, 127 b, 127 c and each side of theshell, e.g., side 111, has three matching holes, e.g., holes 111 a, 111b, 111 c, for pinning, screwing or bolting the frame inside the shell.Diffusion frames 142, 144 may be slid into pairs of C-channel slots 146,147 on opposite sides of the shell and upper slots 148, 149. The gelframes are held in the box preferably by a mechanism other than theaccess door being closed. Otherwise, when the door is opened, the frameswill fall out. The mechanism is a cotter pin and holes through the shelland in the gel frame, e.g., as shown and described later with respect toFIG. 22.

As in the prior embodiment, an access door 114 a is hinged to the restof the side 114 to be openable and closeable to enable the diffusionframes, color filters or the like to be readily inserted or replaced. Atits front corners, there are two releasable fasteners 150 a, 150 b,e.g., quarter turn fasteners (such as DZUS™ fasteners) which engagereceptors or holes 111 d, 113 a to hold the door 114 a in the closedposition by being turned 90° with a screwdriver or the like. Theyreadily turn 90° in the other direction to release the door.

Yoke 116 has a threaded pin 116 a for mating with a standard femalereceptor in an overhead mounting arm 152 (FIG. 13) or into a stand 154(FIG. 14). This box need not have a tilted front face because the wholebox can readily have its angle adjusted by adjusting the angle of yoke116 using the friction knob 124.

In this embodiment, the rod 131 is shown vertically oriented, but it mayalso be horizontally oriented as in other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 10, side 114 is not connected to side 113. The shellobtains its structure from connecting the rectangle 126 inside the rearof the shell. Without the rectangle, the shell 110 readily folds up asshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 11, sides112 and 113 are connected by a piano hinge 160 and fold together. Sides111 and 112 are connected by a piano hinge 162 and fold back on eachother, so that the entire shell folds up into the length and width ofone side, as shown in FIG. 12.

A modification of the box of FIGS. 9-14 is shown in FIGS. 15-22. Box 166has a shell having four sides 167, 168, 169, 170. Sides 167 and 168 areconnected by a piano hinge 172, sides 168 and 169 are connected by apiano hinge 173, and sides 167 and 170 are connected by a piano hinge174. Side 170 folds counterclockwise in FIG. 16 onto side 167, and side169 folds counterclockwise against side 168. Sides 168, 169 and 167, 170fold together so that sides 169 and 167 are adjacent as shown in FIGS.16 and 17. Sides 169 and 170 are not hinged, and may be fixed togetherby screws, bolts or pins to holes 170 a formed in a flange 170 b of side170. Side 170 also has an access door 170 c having a quarter turnfastener schematically shown as element 170 e in a flange 170 d. Theaccess door 170 c has a symmetrical structure on its opposite end.Access door 170 c also has a piano hinge 176 for being rotatablyconnected to the rest of side 170.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 18-19, frame assembly 178 for attachmentto the housing and for supporting lights includes a rectangular framemember 180, two triangular frame members 182 screwed or bolted to therectangular frame members by bolts 184, and a light mounting rail 186such as schedule 40, an industry standard pipe about 1½″ or 1⅝″ indiameter. At each end of the rail 186, there is a cup 188 fixed, e.g.,by welding, screws or bolts, to a corner of each triangular member 182.Each end of the pipe slides into each cup, and has a hole. When thishole registers with a hole 190 in the cup, a cotter pin 192 may beinserted therethrough to hold the rail 186 in place.

The frame assembly 178 attaches to the shell at side 168 by bolting,screwing or pinning through holes 180 a in the rectangle andcorresponding holes in side 168 (the top). Frame member 180 also hasslots 180 b which mate with slots 168 a in side 168 so that eye bolts,pipe hangers or the like may be used to hang the box from or mount thebox to scaffolding 196, a “green bed” or the like (FIG. 23).

In FIG. 23, three boxes 166 are shown adjacent one another and two otherboxes 166 are also adjacent each other to provide the effect of onelarger box. The projected light that comes from such groups of threeboxes and two boxes, each having four lights, is the same as or verysimilar to the projected light from one box having twelve lights andanother box having eight lights, respectively, to provide as wide alight as desired. The modular structure of the box is evident from FIG.23.

The diffusion frames may readily be removed and replaced by openingaccess door 170 c in each box by turning the quarter turn fastener toopen the access door, then removing a cotter pin 198 holding the gelframe as shown in FIG. 22. The pin 198 extends through the shell (a holein side 169) then through a corresponding hole in the gel frame, and thesame applies to side 167, as shown in FIG. 16. The diffusion gel framesare thus held in C-channels 199, 200 inside each side 167, 169 (FIG. 15)and two cotter pins hold each of the frames in place.

Four lights may be mounted to rail 186 as in previous embodiments. Thetwo lights on top may be stronger than the two lights on the bottom,also as in previous embodiments.

In FIG. 24, a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown, where alighting box 202 is to be disposed overhead. In this embodiment, the boxalso includes a frame assembly 204, and a shell 205 mounted to the frameassembly. The frame assembly has a light mounting rod 206 or bar onwhich multiple lights 208 are mounted by C-clamps 210 or otherconnection. Rod 206 is connected to a triangle 212 in the same way as inthe prior embodiments, e.g., by a pair of cups 207, welded or otherwisefixed to the triangle 212, and by cotter pins 209. The triangle 212 inturn is fastened to a rectangle 214 by screws or bolts or an otherwisereadily disconnectable connection, as in prior embodiments. For example,with reference to FIGS. 28 and 33, triangle 212 has a cross-piece 212 bwelded to a side 212 a of the triangle at each end of the cross-piece212 b.

The triangle is connected to the rectangle by eyebolts, e.g., foureyebolts 216 located substantially at each corner of the triangle, andattached by wing nuts 218 (FIG. 33) to the rectangle's short side. Theentire box may be suspended by the four eyebolts 216 using chain or thelike. As shown in FIGS. 28, 35 and 35A, rectangle 214 is preferablyformed in two pieces which fit together on the short sides by a tongue214 a press or friction fit into an opening 214 b in square tubingforming rectangle 214.

Shell 205 has four sides 221, 222, 223 and 224. The two short sides 222,224 have a piano hinge 225 at their midpoints, so that the shell 205 iscollapsible as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. As shown in FIG. 24, rectangle214 fits inside shell 205 and shell 205 is fixed to frame 214 by bolts227 and nuts 228, connected through holes 230 (FIG. 26). To make thedepth dimension of the shell and frame smaller, an additional set ofholes 232 may be provided, e.g., six inches from the first set 230.

The shell also has diffusion gel frame mounting elements 234, 236 forholding diffusion gel frames 238, 240. Each mounting element iscontracted as shown in FIG. 37 for element 234, and is preferably weldedto shell 205. Each gel frame is snapfitted into place, and supported onthe mounting element. The embodiment as shown has two pairs of diffusiongel frame mounting elements 234, 236 on each long side 221, 223 of theshell. Each gel frame 238, 240 is preferably foldable on its shortsides, e.g., by a hinge pin 240 and a cotter pin 242 fitted throughmating holes 244, 246 as shown in FIGS. 34 and 34A. One part 238 a ofthe gel frame fits into another part 238 b. The short sides thus foldlike the shell does (FIGS. 26-27).

FIG. 36 shows the same box 202 as in FIG. 24, except that the rectangle214 is bolted to the additional set of holes 232 set deeper into theshell 205.

FIG. 38 shows a box 202 a which is a variation of box 202 of FIG. 24having a Socopex™ connector box 260 or equivalent, i.e., amulticonnection electrical box connected to lights 208. The lights 208each have a yoke 251 fastened to rod 206 by bolts 250 and nuts as shownin FIG. 39. This connection to rod or bar 206 is used in place ofC-clamps or other readily removable attachments, because box 202 a ofFIG. 39 has lights 208 wired to connector box 260 which in turn may beconnected to a multi-line cable, which in turn is connected to a lightcontrol panel known as a dimmer board. In this way, each individuallight may be turned on, off, or dimmed. In, e.g., a six-light box heldoverhead, one can use four pars on the outside and two blue lights inthe center. The blue will be used for “night” shots, four outside parsat full power for “day” shots, and at half power for “dusk” shots.

FIG. 40 shows a fifth embodiment. A box 270 is similar to box 202 a ofFIG. 38, but instead of rigid shell 205 it has a soft, collapsible shell272 of, e.g., a dark or black fabric preferably with a silver or lightinterior. The fabric is fixed to triangle 214 by pins, adhesive or othermeans including removable and reattachable connections. In thisembodiment, the gel frames 238, 240 are the same as in the previousembodiment, except that they are connected at their corners to a chain274. With this structure, the entire box may be collapsed when not inuse and take very little room. It is also extremely light. This box mayutilize the chain and fabric because it is hung overhead. In a preferredembodiment, each top hanging box has ten lights, but many multiple lightnumber arrangements are possible.

FIG. 41 shows a sixth embodiment which is similar to the box of FIG. 40.However, a box 280 has six par lamps in collars 282 located therein. Inthis embodiment, the lamps may be in collars to have a smaller depth andless weight. The lamp is held in the collar by a retaining ring (notshown) and there may also be a safety screen in front of each lamp (notshown). Because the cans are not used in this embodiment, a rear cover(described below) is used to protect against touching wiring and the hotlights. In addition, a front cover (to protect wiring)(not shown), maybe used, and could be made of a thin sheet of aluminum with six roundcut-outs for the collars.

It is noted that built-in lamps can also be used in the priorembodiments. Because these par lamps in collars have a low profile, theyare set into the box and the box may have the rear cover 284 hinged to arectangular frame 286. Frame 286 has four eyebolts 288 for hanging thebox 280 and the bolts may also function to hold chain 294. The parcollars 282 are directly connected to frame 286 by screws, bolts 289 orthe like. The lights 282 are also connected to a Socoplex™ connector 290or equivalent, by wires 291. The gel frames 292, 293 are similar to theembodiment of FIG. 24, but may collapse on the long sides as shown,and/or the short sides if desired. Moreover, the rectangle 286 (e.g.,20″ by 40″) may be smaller than the gel frames. The gel frames are heldat their corners by chain 294. A fabric or flexible cover 295 may hangbelow the lower gel frame 293. The rear cover is preferably a metal,such as aluminum, and has perforations 298 for cooling/venting.

In place of the Scopeplex™ connector, in this embodiment as well asothers, toggle switches for each lamp may be placed on the side of theshell, along with a standard 3-pin connector for supplying power, e.g.,100 A, to each lamp unit.

A box 300 of FIG. 42 according to a sixth embodiment is similar to box280 of FIG. 41, but it has a yoke 302 hinged to a flange 304 of arectangular frame 306. The yoke 302 operates the same as in theembodiment of FIG. 9. The gel frames 304, 305 are the same as in theprevious embodiment, but are connected by rigid elements 307, e.g.,square tube made out of aluminum. Cloth cover 308 extended at one longside to provide for an angled top as in other embodiments, but may alsobe made square. The gel frame 305 may accordingly also be angled tomatch or otherwise shaped to match the desired shape of collar 308. Thisbox may be used in the same manner as the box of FIG. 9. Due to itsrigid connector elements 307, it need not hang.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 41 and 42, with built-in pre-wired lamps, aprotective aluminum sheet may be placed at the front face of the lamps,extending for the inner dimensions of the rectangle 286, and havingcircular cut-outs corresponding to each lamp face. Moreover, a mesh maybe placed over each lamp face as a safety feature in the unlikely eventof a blow-out.

In several embodiments, the invention provides the advantages ofavoiding boom shadows and providing better sound by using closer booms,creating less heat for a higher light level, and making “actors' marks”less critical due to the large area of sufficient light. The inventionmay also avoid the need to refocus lights even if scene blockingchanges. The invention further enables the use of inexpensive lights,such as par 64's, and provides a fully illuminated action area in whicheven a single lamp burnout is not critical. The modularity of theinvention enables multiple boxes to be used side-to-side like a singlelarge unit. The boxes may also be hung from a single point or multiplepoints.

The device provides a wide variety of light levels, creates a mood,enhances special lighting and works for daylight, sunset, night shotsand more.

The device may be constructed with aircraft quality aluminum such as6061T6. Inside surfaces are preferably reflective metal. Light mount andsupport brackets are preferably welded tubular aluminum constructionwith a 1½ inch or 1⅝ inch outside diameter pipe for direct fixturemounting.

The box is hinged and foldable. Access to diffusion/color frame slots isfrom the bottom via a hinged door with quarter turn fasteners. Thedevice when opened will measure approximately 4×4×4 feet and weigh lessthan 100 pounds.

For mounting purposes, there are three slotted grooves for C-clamps.C-clamps may be mounted in various positions to accommodate balance andangle.

The box can be folded for storage and transportation. In the foldedposition, the box will measure approximately 4×4 feet×5 inches. Lightmounting rails and braces can be stored flat for space saving and easeof transportation.

Soft lights or bounce lights are often used to eliminate shadows.However, they have one great deficiency: as the distance from this lightgrows, the light fall off is extreme. When light levels in the upstageproduction areas are inadequate, additional lighting equipment must beadded. These added lights cause problems, particularly for microphonesand booms. The box was designed to solve this problem, enabling the userto have a more even light level from front to back. The box helpseliminate additional lighting equipment and the boom problems (bothaccess and shadow) that they create in the upstage areas.

The box theory is that a soft projected front light is flattering toactors and eliminates boom shadows. All action areas are lit so newblocking does not call for refocus. Since the multiple sources are usedfor key, there is not waiting to change burnouts. The box is a fast,cost-effective lighting method that looks great.

In the overhead box embodiments, where ten 1000 watt par cans are usedand the box is mounted eleven feet above an area to be lit, such as aboxing ring (20′×20′), a soft even 300 fc. light is produced over theentire area. Multiple mounting holes allow for a 1×2 inch wood strip tobe fixed to the box so that a duvatine skirt may be added to block thespill. The skirt can be black, reflective or diffusing.

Like the other boxes, the overhead version is hinged and foldable foreasy, convenient transportation and storage. Access to diffusion/colorframe slots is from the bottom, where they snap in place. When fullyopened, the box measures 40×60 inches and provides two diffusion/colorframe slots.

The invention enables the inexpensive lights to be separated and spacedfrom one another, preferably a distance of equal to or about thediameter of each light. For example, in a 40″ long box, three par cansof diameters of 8″ may be placed 8″ apart. Six 1000 watt pars can beused to obtain more light, e.g., twice as much light as a 10,000 wattfresnel light when projected through the diffusion elements, yet stillweigh much less and cost much less than that single fresnel.

The boxes, when used modularly or collectively, achieve a very desirablelighting effect, and thus it is preferable to form them such that theycan be placed side to side, e.g., by using planar sides 4, 6.

Although the boxes are constructed primarily of aluminum, they may beconstructed of any other reasonable material including wood, plastic,foamcore, or fabric on a frame, and may even be disposable. The boxesare, as shown in the preferred embodiment, preferably readily enabled tobe disassembled and folded, although other embodiments where the boxesare not readily disassembled can be envisioned. In addition, forexample, the bar 14 need not be mounted to V-bracket members, and mayinstead be directly or more directly mounted to the housing of the box.The box or boxes need not be mounted to a green bed, and may be hungfrom or mounted on pipe, or otherwise mounted, hung or used.

As noted above, a significant advantage of the box is that it creates asoft projected light from inexpensive but powerful and efficientlighting elements, e.g., pars. A further advantage of pars is that theyare available in a variety of intensities, e.g., 200 W and 500 W, aswell as 1000 W, and a variety of circumferences and intensities. Wherelower power pars, e.g., 200 W and 500 W, are used, the box may be scaleddown in size accordingly.

While the present invention has been described with regards toparticular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations ofthe present invention may be devised without departing from theinventive concept.

1. A front projection light device utilizing parabolic aluminizedreflector (“par”) lamps, comprising: a lighting frame temporarilysecurably attachable to a removable fabric housing, said housing havingan opaque outer shell, a back end and a front end; a primary filterholding element and a secondary filter holding element disposed at ornear the front end of said housing; light generating means, comprisingat least four forward-facing par lamps supported directly or indirectlyby said lighting frame and arranged in a plurality of rows having atleast two of said par lamps in each row, for providing light ofsufficient intensity directed towards the front end of said housing andchanneled thereby so as to create a deeply projected soft light whenfirst and second filter elements comprising a light-diffusing materialare mounted in said primary filter holding element and said secondaryfilter holding element respectively; wherein said par lamps are spacedapart and approximately evenly spaced within the side boundaries of thefirst filter element across each of said rows so that the light producedby said par lamps evenly fills the filter elements; and wherein said parlamps each comprise a parabolic reflector creating an extremely parallelbeam of light of sufficient intensity to project through multiple filterelements to achieve deeply projected soft light suitable for use as aprimary key light for image capture on a film or television set.
 2. Thefront projection light device of claim 1, wherein said par lamps are atleast four in number, and are spread apart from one another by at leastabout a diameter of one of said par lamps.
 3. A front projection lightdevice utilizing parabolic aluminized reflector (“par”) lamps,comprising: a plurality of par lamps of at least four in number, saidpar lamps being capable of operating when oriented facing in a downwardposition; a lighting frame directly or indirectly supporting saidplurality of par lamps therefrom in a forward-facing arrangement inwhich said par lamps are arranged in at least two rows having at leasttwo of said par lamps in each row, said lighting frame attached to orconfigured to receive a fabric housing for channeling and controllingthe light from the par lamps, the housing having a back end and a frontend such that when attached to said lighting frame said par lampsproject light from the back end directly towards the front end of thehousing; and a first filter holding element disposed at or near thefront end of said housing; a second filter holding element attached orsecured to said housing and spaced apart from said first filter holdingelement, whereby when first and second filter elements comprising alight-diffusing material are mounted in said first filter holdingelement and said second filter holding element, respectively, lightproduced by said par lamps is directed at and through the filterelements to create a deeply projected soft light; wherein said par lampsare disposed in a plurality of collars and are spaced apart andapproximately evenly spaced within the side boundaries of at least oneof said filter elements across each of said rows so that the lightproduced by said par lamps evenly fills the filter element and therebyimproves the quality of the deeply projected soft light.
 4. The frontprojection light device of claim 3, wherein said par lamps are ofsufficient size and intensity, and sufficiently spaced apart relative tothe size of the at least one of said filter elements, to both evenlyfill the filter element and create a deeply projected soft light whendirected through the filter element.
 5. The front projection lightdevice of claim 1, wherein said par lamps comprise sealed beam par cans.6. The front projection light device of claim 3, wherein said par lampsin combination with said diffusion elements generate a deeply projectedsoft light suitable for use as primary key light for image capture on atelevision or film set at a distance of at least twenty feet.
 7. Thefront projection light device of claim 3, wherein said par lamps have anominal power rating of at least 500 Watts.
 8. The front projectionlight device of claim 7, wherein said par lamps have a nominal powerrating of at least 1000 Watts.
 9. The front projection light device ofclaim 3, wherein said collars are located around the periphery of saidlight frame.
 10. The front projection light device of claim 3, whereinsaid par lamps are at least six in number.
 11. The front projectionlight device of claim 3, wherein said par lamps each comprise a lens andreflector, and are spaced apart such that each par lamp is separated bya distance of at least about a diameter of the par lamp lens withrespect to the nearest adjacent par lamps.
 12. The front projectionlight device of claim 3, wherein each of said rows has at least threepar lamps.
 13. The front projection light device of claim 3, whereinsaid par lamps are arranged in a rectangular pattern.
 14. The frontprojection light device of claim 3, wherein said rows are parallel toone another.
 15. The front projection light device of claim 3, whereinsaid par lamps comprise a parabolic reflector which creates an extremelyparallel, punchy and energy-efficient beam of light of sufficientintensity to project through said first and second filter elements to afar distance to achieve the deeply projected soft light.
 16. The frontprojection light device of claim 3, further comprising a yoke forsupporting said lighting frame.
 17. The front projection light device ofclaim 3, wherein said lighting frame and housing are adapted to be hungoverhead, facing downwards, and wherein said par lamps operate normallyfacing vertically downwards when hung overhead.
 18. The front projectionlight device of claim 3, wherein said housing is substantiallyrectangular in forward profile.
 19. The front projection light device ofclaim 3, wherein said housing comprises a plurality of sides, each ofthe sides being substantially opaque.
 20. The front projection lightdevice of claim 3, further comprising a fabric skirt, said skirtcomprising a light diffusing material.
 21. The front projection lightdevice of claim 19, wherein the internal sides of said housing arealuminized to enhance their reflectiveness.
 22. The front projectionlight device of claim 3, wherein said housing is collapsible.
 23. Thefront projection light device of claim 22, wherein said housing isdetachable from said lighting frame.
 24. The front projection lightdevice of claim 22, wherein said housing is formed of lightweight fabricsupported by a rigid housing frame.
 25. The front projection lightdevice of claim 24, wherein said rigid housing frame comprises a firstrectangular frame member defining said back end, a second rectangularframe member defining said front end, and a plurality of arms connectingthe respective corners of said first rectangular frame member and saidsecond rectangular frame member.
 26. The front projection light deviceof claim 3, wherein said lighting frame comprises a metallic rear coverplate located behind par lamps, said metallic plate having perforationsfor venting heat generated from the par lamps.
 27. The front projectionlight device of claim 26, wherein said perforations allow heat generatedfrom the par lamps to rise and exit behind the par lamps through theperforations.
 28. The front projection light device of claim 3, whereinsaid lighting frame comprises a reflective metallic front cover having aplurality of holes corresponding to the locations of the par lamps. 29.The front projection light device of claim 28, wherein said reflectivefront cover is aluminum.
 30. The front projection light device of claim29, wherein said par lamps are set into the lighting frame, the frontcover forming the front of an at least partial enclosure for the parlamps, said front projection light device further comprising aperforated rear cover.
 31. The front projection light device of claim 3,wherein at least one of said first and second filter holding elementscomprises one or more slots for securably holding one or more filterelements adapted to slide therein.
 32. The front projection light deviceof claim 3, wherein said par lamps are Par-64 lamps.
 33. The frontprojection light device of claim 32, wherein each row has an equalnumber of Par-64 lamps spaced apart by a distance of at least about 8″with respect to the nearest adjacent Par-64 lamp or lamps, and whereinthe filter element is positioned in close proximity to said Par-64 lampsbut far enough away such that the light produced by said Par-64 lampsrelatively evenly fills the at least one of said filter elements andthereby improves the quality of the deeply projected soft light.
 34. Thefront projection light device of claim 3, wherein said par lampscomprise non-ferrule pars.
 35. The front projection light device ofclaim 3, wherein said rows of par lamps are arranged within a rectangle,said rectangle having a length and width, and wherein the par lamps arespaced closer together across the rectangle's width as compared to itslength.
 36. The front projection light device of claim 35, wherein saidpar lamps comprise Par-64 lamps spaced about 8″ apart along each of saidrows traversing the rectangle's length, and wherein said Par-64 lampsare spaced about 4″ apart across the rectangle's width.
 37. A lightingdevice for directing and controlling light from at least four parabolicaluminized reflector (“par”) lamps, the lighting device comprising: atleast four par lamps, said par lamps being capable of operating whenoriented facing in a downward position; a rigid frame directly orindirectly supporting the multiple par lamps in a non-linear,forward-facing arrangement of at least two rows having at least two ofsaid par lamps in each row, said rigid frame attached to an outwardlytapering fabric housing for channeling and controlling the light fromthe multiple par lamps, the housing having four sides, a back and afront such that when attached to said rigid frame said par lamps projectlight into the back and directly towards the front of the housing; andfirst and second diffusion elements for diffusing light from themultiple par lamps, the first and second diffusion elements disposed ina front section of the housing for forming a soft, projected anddiffused light when the par lamps project light at the diffusionelements; wherein said par lamps are evenly spread apart byapproximately a par lamp lens width or more across each of said rows sothat the light produced by said par lamps evenly fills the diffusionelements.
 38. A front projection light device utilizing parabolicaluminized reflector (“par”) lamps, comprising: a plurality of par lampsof at least four in number, said par lamps being capable of operatingwhen oriented facing in a downward position; a lighting frame directlyor indirectly supporting said plurality of par lamps therefrom in aforward-facing arrangement in which said par lamps are not all in asingle straight line, said lighting frame attached to or configured toreceive a housing for channeling and controlling the light from the parlamps, the housing having a back end and a front exit port such thatwhen attached to said lighting frame said par lamps project light fromthe back end directly towards the front exit port of the housing; aprimary filter holding element disposed at or near the front exit portof said housing; and a secondary filter holding element disposed at ornear the front exit port of said housing and spaced apart from saidprimary filter holding element so that, when primary and secondarydiffusion filter elements are mounted in said primary holding elementand said secondary holding element, respectively, light produced by saidplurality of pars is directed therethrough to create a deeply projectedsoft light; wherein said par lamps each comprise a parabolic reflectorcreating an extremely parallel, punchy and energy-efficient beam oflight of sufficient intensity to project through multiple diffusionfilter elements to a far distance to achieve the deeply projected softlight; wherein said housing is collapsible, and is formed of lightweightfabric supported by a rigid or semi-rigid housing frame; and whereinsaid housing frame comprises a first rectangular frame member definingsaid back end, a second rectangular frame member defining said frontend, and a plurality of arm members connecting the respective corners ofsaid first rectangular frame member and said second rectangular framemember.
 39. A front projection light device utilizing parabolicaluminized reflector (“par”) lamps, comprising: a plurality ofnon-ferrule par lamps of at least four in number, said par lamps beingcapable of operating when oriented facing in a downward position; alighting frame directly or indirectly supporting said plurality of parlamps therefrom in a forward-facing arrangement in which said par lampsare arranged in at least two rows; an at least partially tapered fabrichousing attached to the light frame for controlling and channeling thelight from the par lamps, the tapered fabric housing having a smallerback end and a larger front end and exit port, and positioned so thatsaid par lamps project light from the smaller back end directly towardsthe larger front end and exit port of the tapered fabric housing; firstand second diffusion filter elements each comprising a light diffusingmaterial and being substantially rectangular in shape; a first diffusionfilter frame attached or secured to said tapered fabric housing; asecond diffusion filter frame attached or secured to said tapered fabrichousing and disposed proximate to the exit port of said housing, saidsecond diffusion filter frame spaced apart from said first diffusionfilter frame so that, when said first and second diffusion filterelements are disposed in said first diffusion frame and said seconddiffusion frame, respectively, light produced by said plurality of parlamps is directed therethrough; and a reflective frontplate secured tosaid lighting frame, said reflective frontplate surrounding said parlamps and having openings in which said par lamps are disposed; whereinsaid par lamps are disposed in a plurality of collars are spread apartand approximately evenly spaced within the side boundaries of the firstdiffusion filter element.
 40. A front projection light device utilizingparabolic aluminized reflector (“par”) lamps, comprising: a plurality ofPar-64 lamps of at least four in number, said Par-64 lamps being capableof operating when oriented facing in a downward position; a lightingframe directly or indirectly supporting said plurality of Par-64 lampstherefrom in a forward-facing arrangement in which said Par-64 lamps arearranged in at least two rows having at least two of said par lamps ineach row; a fabric housing attached to the light frame for controllingand channeling the light from the Par-64 lamps, the housing having aback end and an exit port, and positioned so that said Par-64 lampsproject light from the back end directly towards the exit port thereof;a first diffusion filter frame attached or secured to said housing anddisposed proximate to the exit port of said housing; a second diffusionfilter frame between said Par-64 lamps and said first diffusion frame,said second diffusion filter frame spaced apart from said firstdiffusion filter frame so that, when first and second diffusion filterelements are disposed in said first diffusion frame and said seconddiffusion frame, respectively, light produced by said plurality ofPar-64 lamps is directed therethrough to create a projected soft light;and a reflective metallic frontplate secured to said lighting frame andhaving openings in which said Par-64 lamps are disposed.
 41. The frontprojection light device of claim 40, wherein said Par-64 lamps are atleast six in number and are spaced approximately 8″ apart across each ofsaid rows.
 42. A front projection light device utilizing parabolicaluminized reflector (“par”) lamps, comprising: a plurality of par lampsof at least four in number, said par lamps being capable of operatingwhen oriented facing in a downward position; a lighting frame having arigid transverse support member directly or indirectly supporting saidplurality of par lamps therefrom in a forward-facing arrangement inwhich said par lamps are arranged in at least two rows on the rigidtransverse support member with at least two of said par lamps in eachrow, said lighting frame attached to or configured to receive a housingfor channeling and controlling the light from the par lamps, the housinghaving a back end and a front end such that when attached to saidlighting frame said par lamps project light from the back end directlytowards the front end of the housing; and a primary filter holdingelement disposed at or near the front end of said housing, whereby whena filter element comprising a light-diffusing material is mounted insaid primary filter holding element, light produced by said par lamps isdirected at and through the filter element to create a deeply projectedsoft light; wherein said par lamps are spaced apart and approximatelyevenly spaced within the side boundaries of said filter element acrosseach of said rows so that the light produced by said par lamps evenlyfills the filter element and thereby improves the quality of the deeplyprojected soft light.